Finally saw Lord of the Rings, and it was one long ass film that could have been twice as long and it still would have left out alot of material from Tolkien's novel. Good script, great graphics, excellent cinematogrpahy, avergae acting. And Gandalf is definitely that old hippie guy that you try your best to avoid at all costs, that is until your stash runs out and your jonesin for any sort of herbal supplements, so you give in and call the dude, because you know, shit everyone knows that he’s always holding.
Lord of the Rings: 88
McGrupp Grading Scale: Just like school, 70 is failing. 80 is good, 90 is great. 94+ buy this film. Then again, I’m completely making all this up, shit talkin' mostly, so it doesn’t matter anyway.
Previous Screened Films: Sidewalks of New York: 92
Godsford Park: 92
Orange County: 90
Black Hawk Down: 90
Not Another Teen Movie: 89
Shallow Hall: 87
Monster’s Ball: 81
Majestic: 53
Hijack Suspect Planned to Attack US Embassy A Swedish man of Tunsian origin, and a recent converted Muslim, was arrested on suspicion he was about to hijack a plane. He was planning to crash the aircraft into a U.S. embassy in Europe, the Swedish intelligence reports. posted by Pauly at 8/31/2002 12:56:00 PM | Permalink |
Friday, August 30, 2002
"The biggest conspiracy has always been the fact that there is no conspiracy. Nobody's out to get you. Nobody gives a shit whether you live or die. There, you feel better now?" - Dennis Miller posted by Pauly at 8/30/2002 11:58:00 PM | Permalink |
Skipford Van Beaverhausen comments: "You seem a little irritated this morning. Perhaps you've got some sand stuck in your vagina?"
The strike. The Baseball Strike. It’s everywhere: in the papers, on TV, on the TAO. There is no middle ground here, because whether or not there is a strike, the bottom line is that whatever happens in the next few days will be nothing more than a band-aid on a large grossly infected wound, a deep gash that has been bleeding for decades.
CONSPIRACY?
Just like the blitz of the sudden rash of kidnappings across America, our media and TV have been focusing on " this missing child" or focusing on the trial of "this psycho kidnapper". Yes, these are horrible crimes and is on the top lists of everyone’s (especially parent’s) worst nightmares. But in reality, kidnappings are down in previous years. There has been in spike in all general violent crimes and more people have been murdered in the Bronx (317 this year thru AUG) than been kidnapped (6 thru August). The bottom line is that there is a lot of freaky shit that has been going on and as usual, America is too distracted to be paying attention. After all, the average American’s attention span for domestic and global affairs is roughly the same as trying to get Tom Green to sit still for 3 minutes without doing anything or saying anything stupid. It’s impossible.
As America wakes up to another day of enduring freedom, and scratches it’s collective ass and wonders whether or not there will be a baseball strike, they completely miss what’s been going on in back rooms in Washington and in religious schools in Saudi Arabia. How our politicians are selling out individual’s rights and privacy issues, in new laws and legislation, in order to cover THEIR OWN ASSES just in case something else (similar to 9.11) goes down. Have you seen or heard from Hillary Clinton these days?? It seems the political pundits are more concerned with how they will look during the next attack (as Rumsfeld say, "We don’t know when, we don’t know where… but they are coming.") than actually doing something to prevent the next attack and most importantly to me: contain fundamental Isalm across the world, in America, in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere. These are the same people, Hillary et al, who tell you that we need to be "good citizens and get in line," but fail to tell you that the world population will DOUBLE in the next 40 years and that oh maybe Americans will be outnumbered by Muslims 8 to 1 or maybe 10 to 1 in the next few decades, which means more funerals, more wars, more headaches and suicide bombers for our kids and grandkids to deal with. Shit, to hell with baseball, it’s a wonderful distraction, I fucking LOVE the Yankees, but in order for me to sleep safely at night, I want to know that America is taking care of business where it should be dealt with. Oil, Saudis, water and education should be the TOP 4 topics each night on the news. But it isn’t. Why?
And if I hear one more redneck tell me it’s un-American to strike because of 9.11, I’ll personally go to Bumblefuck, Kentucky, kick down the unhinged door to his trailer park, bitch slap the soiled NASCAR hat right off his dense head, drag his tighty-whitey wearin’ ass out to his septic tank, and show him pictures of 15 of the 9.11 hijackers, while grabbing him buy his greasy mullet and shouting, "You are the fucking traitor, Billy Bob!! While you and your sister/wife are eating cheez-doodles, eating Big Macs, and drinking Budweiser tall-boys while cussin’ at ESPN, these men, all from Saudi Arabia and thousands more are plotting to kill more and more of us, our allies, and our model for democracy. So while you sit on your ignorant ass and hurl insults at Bud Selig, A-Rod, or George Steinbrenner, just remember that each minute you waste with petty distractions like the baseballl strike or whether or not the word GOD is in our pledge allegience, one more soldier of destruction sneaks into America, another suicide bomber straps up his bomb vest, more terrorists are training to use weapons of mass destruction, and another seven year old kid is brainwashed into thinking that America is full of dumb stupid ass rednecks who only care about tits, ass, TV, and baseball. Well, Billy Bob, who’s team are you on?"
I say, fuck it, go strike. No baseball. Use the time to show pictures of all the people who died on 9.11, hook up AL-Jezera TV and see all the anti-American garbage the Middle East is flooding the airwaves with, and maybe the people America will do something about this mess we’re waist deep in, instead of letting the greedy scumbags that we blindly throw into office make crucial decisions that will cost our children and children's children billions of dollars, and mounds of blood and flesh. Until the American people start to understand what we are up against today and in the future, we will always be the stupid, drunken rednecks that the world thinks we are.
OK, I'm done, now get the fuck out of my office. Some of us have real jobs to do.
Wrestling With the Legacy of Cinematic Colossus Jean-Luc Godard is from this week's Village Voice written by Michael Atkinson. Here's a bit: "When it comes to Jean-Luc Godard, there's only one significant question to ponder: Is this enigmatic, narrative-discarding hermit the greatest living cinematic artist? The wisest, most transformative, most original agent provocateur at work in the fields of cinema?"
Why Baseball Players Have the Right to Strike is written by John K. Wilson from Alternet.org. Here's an excerpt: "Some fans believe that players are clueless about the harm a strike would cause. In fact, it's the fans who are clueless and who don't understand the harm to player salaries and to the future of the game that would be caused by giving in to the corporate communism demanded by owners."
EU Allows $4 Billion in Duties on US Exports The European Union said it won World Trade Organization permission to impose a record $4.043 billion in duties on U.S. exports to compensate for an illegal U.S. tax break that hurts European companies.
Coming Soon: Total War in the Middle East is written by Jason Vest who's original article appeared in The Nation. He writes about the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) and the Center for Security Policy (CSP). Here's a blurb: "On no issue is the JINSA/CSP hard line more evident than in its relentless campaign for war -- not just with Iraq, but "total war," as Michael Ledeen, one of the most influential JINSAns in Washington, put it last year. For this crew, "regime change" by any means necessary in Iraq, Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia and the Palestinian Authority is an urgent imperative."
"Thoughts are the shadows of our sensations- always darker, emptier, simpler than these." - Nietzsche posted by Pauly at 8/30/2002 08:32:00 AM | Permalink |
Charlie sat in his bedroom, half naked, half drunk, and with an unknown visitor lying next to him. Face down in the mound of pillows, Charlie couldn’t tell if the person on his bedroom floor was a man or a woman. He closed his eyes and tried to recall the events from the night before. The recollection was blurry, but he vaguely remembered a party, a woman in a blue dress, and a bottle of tequila, somehow always in his hand, and somehow always full. He also remembered a large barking dog which tried to bite him, as he looked down to see the crusted blood and the multiple teeth marks on his heel and calf...
I've been getting alot of feedback ever since I blogged the Who Owns Water? article from The Nation. Here's another comment sent to me from an anonymous source:
"The sub-title of the piece should have been: "Peasants of the world unite!" Lots of misinformation here. I was particularly amused with their assessment of desalination. Nothing really new although I never knew that some child dies every 8 seconds from contaminated water. Rather than cancelling debt and increasing aid to these countries, it might be better to force them to clean up their water supply before we send more money or make new loans- but that's a moral decision. I am somewhat bothered (naturally) that the French and Germans control much of the privatized water supply in the western world and I think individual states in the U.S. may reach that conclusion. Already Florida is taking back its water from companies through a condemnation process. Overall, it was a "scare" piece that takes facts and problems and blows them out of proportion."
More Water Articles:
Dave Simanoff sent me this article Not A Drop to Drink which is a discussion on the book written by Diane Raines Ward called Water Wars: Drought, Flood, Folly and the Politics of Thirst. I recommend you read the Salon article and get the book.
Feel free to send me your comments regarding the impending Water Wars. If WW3 will be fought over OIL, then WW4 will be fought over WATER. posted by Pauly at 8/29/2002 02:44:00 PM | Permalink |
Here's a bit: "It was a bit of a shock, at first, to hear Rachel from "Friends" talking in a timid Texan drawl. Yet there she was -- Jennifer Aniston, twenty feet tall on the screen at the Tampa Theatre, with her hair pulled into a messy ponytail, and twenty tons of loneliness and defeat on her shoulders... It wasn't long before I forgot all about Rachel." posted by Pauly at 8/29/2002 10:39:00 AM | Permalink |
NY Yankees win second straight shutout against the hated Boston Red Sox. Read all about it:
US Indicts Five in Two Cases, Alleges Terror Links Four alleged Muslim extremists were charged yesterday in Detroit with being part of "a sleeper operational combat cell" that sought to support terrorist attacks while a Seattle man linked to an alleged al-Qaeda plot to train U.S. recruits in Orgeon was indicted.
"You've hit rock bottom if you need to mention Sorority Life on your website. Why did you feel the need to use this as a topic of a rant. Boooo . . . I boo your decision to express your addiction to this asinine show. Oh it's bad alright. And that's the truth. The next thing you will be telling me is that you watch American Idol. Let me guess, a perfect night for you is watching episodes of Survivor and Fear Factor while drinking Red Bull. Is Anna Nicole Smith next for you?" - J.D.
I confessed to Dave Simanoff that I am the only person NOT to have seen Lord of the Rings and I will possibly rent it on DVD this weekend, the last weekend to catch up on videos before football season! Anyway, Dave sent me what my Lord of the Rings character names would be...
Elven Name Possibilities for McGrupp:Niltasarë or Niltasarëion
Hobbit lad name for McGrupp:Hildifons Hornblower from Deephallow
Dwarven Name for McGrupp:Trán Bloodfury
Orkish Name for McGrupp:Ghazukh the Burner
From now on, I'd like to be addressed either as Monsignor McGrupp or Ghazukh the Burner. If you want to see what your names would be visit The Daily Dave for the link.
Mona LaVigne sent me this e-mail: MTV coming to a campus near you...
"MTV coming to a campus near you... MTV has picked Buffalo as the stage for the second season of "Sorority Life" and the likely debut of its fraternal spin off "Fraternity Life." The shows will feature coeds in their rush experience - focusing on life off-campus. Sources say MTV is renting houses for pledges in the Greek neighborhood near the Main Street Campus, and is looking for office space to use for the next few months. Dean of Student Affairs Dennis Black says if MTV wants to shoot on campus, the network will need UB's okay. Many students say they'd welcome the publicity, but some also worry about UB's image, given the university's recent top ten ranking in a survey of the best party schools. "Sorority Life" and "Fraternity Life" Buffalo-style are set to air on MTV beginning in February."
Cuckoo in Carolina is a Thomas Friedman article in today's NY Times. Here's a bit: "The ruckus being raised by conservative Christians over the University of North Carolina's decision to ask incoming students to read a book about the Koran — to stimulate a campus debate — surely has to be one of the most embarrassing moments for America since Sept. 11." posted by Pauly at 8/28/2002 09:02:00 AM | Permalink |
Why Not Put Off Till Tomorrow the Novel You Could Begin Today? written by Ann Patchett is an article sent to me by our favroite blogger Dave Simanoff. Ms. Patchett discusses her process of writing a novel. Interesting. You should take a look and get an indication on what goes through my mind each day (and everday since 1996). My favorite excerpts: "Starting a novel isn't so different from starting a marriage... Sometimes if there's a book you really want to read, you have to write it yourself." posted by Pauly at 8/28/2002 08:55:00 AM | Permalink |
Tuesday, August 27, 2002
"The gulf between knowledge and truth is infinite." - Henry Miller posted by Pauly at 8/27/2002 11:15:00 PM | Permalink |
Two Visits is another article written by Jon Schanzer. He's been cranking out good stuff these days. In case you haven't seen his other articles here's this past week's publications:
As we know, Smurfette was chemically engineered by Gargamel, as a latter-day whore/temptress/whathaveyou, in order to dupe and foil the incredibly gullible Smurfs. But her chemistry was amended by Papa Smurf, who turned her into a good Smurf from a bad, evil, hooker Smurf. Smurfette was quickly accepted into the Smurf community, and rightfully so! She was, after all, just like the other Smurfs, except for the fact that she was blonde and that she wore a white dress. Did she even have breasts?
So, here is this chick, she's the ONLY chick amidst all of these little blue guys. And these Smurfs were so dense, so naive, that they never saw that poor Smurfette was lonely, aching, needing companionship. Instead, they all go about their smurfy little lives, doing their smurfy little chores, smurfing and ignoring pauvre Smurfette.
Someone has intimated that the Smurfs were collectively homosexual. I don't know that that is necessarily true. I do think, however, that they were simple, basic. I think that Smurfette had a vibrator that she used every night (and sometimes in the day) in her lonely little mushroom shack.
Ever since FOX cancelled my favorite TV show Dark Angel I have been flipping the channels aimlessly looking for something new to get hooked on. In the recent weeks, I have found myself watching Sorority Life on MTV (Monday Nights at 10:30pm EST). At first, I was enraged and hated everyone on the show, but in the last few weeks, I have warmed up to the girls at UC-Davis, especially Jordan (a.k.a the Hot One, the girl that the rest of the pledges and sisters are madly jealous at).
Now, I must admit: My name is McGrupp and I'm a Sorority Life-a-holic. In case you are out of the loop. Here's what has been going on:
In last week's episode: Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi holds a formal dance in San Francisco, which all of the girls attend. Bad impressions are left, however, when Mara and Jordan and their dates leave the event early AND insist in switching hotel rooms; and when a sunglasses clad and drunken Candace and Amanda and their dates leave---and then return, the sisters get irked. The highlight was when Jordan and her date ditched the formal and went to a strip bar. Jordan Crying Count: 1
In last night's new episode: The sisters are super pissed at the pledges for their disruptive and disrespectful behavior at formal and are threatening to kick the girls out of Sigma. While this is going on, Jordan's grandmother passes away and she is in the middle of dealing with a family crisis AND getting grief from pissed off, catty, snippy sisters. Jordan Crying Count: 3 times
Next week? What will happen? Will the girls get the boot? Or will they stick it to Sigma and quit before that happens. Tune in to find out. Oh by the way, if anyone gets me Jordan's cell phone number, I will give you a Pauly Painting. posted by Pauly at 8/27/2002 09:51:00 AM | Permalink |
Read Juan F. Rib's comments on the blogged article Who Owns Water?:
"That article in the Nation on water totally pissed me off. I read it a few days ago, and I've been burning ever since. I want to destroy that French company to start with... in a decade or so, we'll probably all have to start paying a few bucks (up to 6) a day for running water in our homes. How did it get this fucked up? Turns out that the water companies have been taking a profit from us every month without reinvesting into the infrastructure of the pipes below us. The result is that we loose a great deal of the water that's pumped into our homes. How much does that suck?"
Comment from Dave Simanoff about the Smurf Conpspiracy: "I think they should update the smurfs, with modern characters. You know, Attention Defecit Disorder smurf. Inferiority complex smurf. Obsessive-compulsive smurf. Dr. Phil smurf..."
Editor's Note: I agree, Dawg. They should have Sexually Ambivalent smurf, Bi-polar smurf, Islamist Extremist smurf, and my favorite: Ghetto smurf. He's the one with the backwards smurf hat and extra baggy smurf pants. posted by Pauly at 8/27/2002 08:57:00 AM | Permalink |
It's back! The 2nd ANNUAL PAULY'S PUB FOOTBALL POOL!!!! Free to PLAY and its simple, a pick 'em. I have put together a group on ESPN.com's Pigskin Pick'em Fantasy Game and would like you to join.
I streamlined the links on the left side of the TAO. I added a few more and re-organized the current links. posted by Pauly at 8/26/2002 10:45:00 PM | Permalink |
Comment from Mona LaVigne: List of Alien Bases on Earth"This link from The TAO is broken. Just thought I'd let you know."
Editor's Note: I checked the link and it's down. I think the MAN or THEY took it down!! posted by Pauly at 8/26/2002 10:31:00 PM | Permalink |
I got an e-mail from a high school classmate, and fellow Regis hoopster Jeff Middleton who is a musician performing in Nashville.
Here's his email: "I'll be playing the early show at the Bluebird on August 30th (this Friday). The show is from 6:30 to 8:30 and reservations can be made starting this afternoon - Monday (phone number is 383-1461). Everyone - I will also be releasing my new CD for sale at the show but if you are not able to make it and want to buy a CD or two or thirty, you will be able to get them at various places on the web next week. CDBaby.com should have them soon after the gig and I will send out another note with links once they are all ready. Hope all is well. Jeff" posted by Pauly at 8/26/2002 10:28:00 PM | Permalink |
The Smurf Conspiracy is an interesting website you should take a look at. Here's the premise: "Was The Smurfs a lesson in tolerance of alternative lifestyles that was simply ahead of its time?"
Read Jon Schanzer's article from Front Page Magazine called: Different Means, Same End Game where he discusses the various means of terror used by Islamist groups worldwide.
Here's a bit: "However, not every Islamist group will choose to use weapons of mass destruction, make homemade explosives, or train to kill. Indeed, tactics vary greatly from one group to the next. Still, they have one thing in common: the desire for their radical, utopian and totalitarian interpretation of Islam to reign supreme in regimes around the world." posted by Pauly at 8/26/2002 10:08:00 AM | Permalink |
Tao Poll Comments...
From Josh: "First off, I have no idea what song Phish will open up with so I can't really comment. As for the other poll, who in the hell voted for the Bush twins over the Olsen twins? Have these people ever even seen Barbara Bush? Man, she's more beat than a retard in gym class. Jenna Bush, on the other hand, is kinda cute in that "chunky girl who loves to party" kind of way, but that's about it. You'd still sneak her down the back stairs in the morning so your roomates won't bust you. The Olsen twins are hot. There's no doubt about it. The reason they lost, I figure, is because we all immediately associate them with being those little babies on TV. That's just plain gross. But now they're all grown up with boobies and everything. They win in my book. Plus they have more money than the Bush kids. Thanks for letting me rant." - JK
Also if you get the chance, read the Daily Dave because he also wrote a funny review on Jay Russell's "Brown Harvest" a book based on the children's book series Encyclopedia Brown, one of my favorites from my childhood.
Here's a bit of what Dave wrote about Brown's Harvest: "...a book that gleefully rips the Encyclopedia Brown mythology to shreds, and then drags those itty-bitty pieces through the mud. In this novel, the grown up boy detective -- a washed-up, ex-con hacker who is never actually named as Encyclopedia Brown -- returns to his hometown in his AMC Pacer to pay his last respects to Sally, who entered the field of prostitution not long after leaving the pre-teen detective sidekick industry. Encyclopedia's father is an alcoholic pedophile, his mother is a few steps shy of comatose..." posted by Pauly at 8/26/2002 09:01:00 AM | Permalink |
"If you slip, let me hold you up. If I slip, you must do the same. Otherwise the world rocks and we are lost." - Henry Miller posted by Pauly at 8/25/2002 10:44:00 PM | Permalink |
Drowing Freedom in Oil written by Thomas Friedman. Here's an excerpt: "The more I've traveled in the Muslim world since 9/11, the more it has struck me how true this statement is: Nothing has subverted Middle East democracy more than the Arab world's and Iran's dependence on oil, and nothing will restrict America's ability to tell the truth in the Middle East and promote democracy there more than our continued dependence on oil..." posted by Pauly at 8/25/2002 10:40:00 PM | Permalink |
Drug Warriors in a Dead Heat is a good article from Alternet.org about the rabid drug-warrior Bob Barr and the equally avid, though low-key, drug warrior John Linder, who are in a dead-heat Republican in Georgia's newly drawn 7th Congressional District. posted by Pauly at 8/25/2002 10:36:00 PM | Permalink |
This Bush and Iraq business has got to end quickly for the sake of all Americans. The real intent for an invasion of Iraq and economic reasons and consequences of another war should be put forth to the American people. Tell us the truth, tell us really what’s up. "America needs to preserve its way of life immediately or else we bomb the shit out of you." That's why we are going into Iraq, we need oil. Lots of it. America has a voracious appetite for the black gold and our overconsumption of a perishable natural resource will be our doom, because we lack any sort of economic development and investor confidence in alternative renewable sources of energy. The political pundits in DC are telling us that we need to rid the world of some dictator who won’t let us continue or way of life. In order to do that we need to double our oil supply as soon as possible that way we would be able to avoid any entanglements with our backstabbing allies in Saudi Arabia and the other oil rich nations, who deal with the Osama bin Laden’s of the world by buying off their protection, like some two-bit gangster thug out of a bad Mafia b-film. I read some where that Iraq gives us more than 50% of our oil! That’s a ridiculous amount. Oh by the way, I fucked Mona LaVigne 33 times this weekend. If we take Iraq out, we will be able to double our supply (just like they did in Afghanistan) and meet our junkie’s demands. So Bush and Cheney are rounding up all the horses to advance onto Saddam’s Baghdad and buying off Turkey’s allegiance, like some cheap corner hooker, in exchange to conquer Iraq and divvy up the oil and the water wells.
This month's issue features two stories from Señor, one about a love story in Cambodia and the other about his recent self exploration in Thailand. Jessica E. Lapidus shares with us a childhood experience on the Dragon Coaster. Contributing once again is Armando Huerta who gives us a humorous take on gun toting prostitutes in Brazil. Zobo takes us to the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. Skipford Van Beaverhausen dishes us the scoop on fine dining in Orlando. And yours truly, Tenzin McGrupp has two stories to share. The first is an account of my Phishy travels in Nagoya, Japan and the other story recalls the saddest day in Grateful Dead history, the day Jerry Garcia died. Relax, enjoy, and please tell your friends about this site. Thanks for all your support. Salukis! McG
• Nagoya by Tenzin McGrupp • Playland by Jessica E. Lapidus • An Insider’s Guide to Orlando Restaurants by Skipford Van Beaverhausen
• Jacaranda Hookers by Armando Huerta
• Furthur by Señor
• Zobo's Tie by Mark "Zobo" Zoblotsky
• Cambodian Love Story by Señor
• Jerry Day by Tenzin McGrupp
"There may be a great fire in our soul, but no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passers-by see only a little bit of smoke coming through the chimney and pass on their way. Now, you must tend that inward fire, wait patiently for the hour when somebody will come and sit down near it -- to stay there maybe?" - Vincent van Gogh, Letters to Theo (1889)
Theo is van Gogh's brother, an art dealer who lived in Paris. The letters from Vincent to his beloved brother Theo are required reading for anyone who wants to understand the tortured artist. In them, van Gogh provides deep insights into his working process, providing details on his motifs and compositional decisions. These letters are almost an essential accompaniment to his paintings. He wrote these infamous letters while a voluntary patient at the St. Remy asylum, during the last two years of his life. He died in 1890, having sold only one painting, following a botched suicide attempt. posted by Pauly at 8/22/2002 02:18:00 PM | Permalink |
Here's an excerpt: "In 1995 World Bank vice president Ismail Serageldin made a much quoted prediction for the new millennium: 'If the wars of this century were fought over oil, the wars of the next century will be fought over water.'"
"Water promises to be to the 21st century what oil was to the 20th century: the precious commodity that determines the wealth of nations." - Fortune posted by Pauly at 8/22/2002 07:58:00 AM | Permalink |
Bush's Mideast Sand Trap is a NY Times article written by Thomas Friedman. Here's a blurb: "When the Bush team insists that Saddam Hussein must be ousted to bring democracy to Iraq and the Arab world — but says nothing about democratizing Saudi Arabia or Egypt — people there notice. And it undercuts our support and credibility. To his credit, Mr. Bush has finally decided to withhold an aid increase to Egypt, in response to its jailing of Egypt's leading democracy advocate." posted by Pauly at 8/21/2002 09:15:00 PM | Permalink |
My favorite line: "Woodman said he often pretends to give a shit about what his wife says.
"Somebody - a guy - once told me that women tend to work things out in their heads by talking things out, so most of the time it isn't really necessary to listen to everything a woman says," said Woodman. "It's been my experience that the theory usually holds true. So I tend to just keep my mouth shut and let her talk herself out."
Added Woodman: "Besides, if something's really important to her, I'll pick up on it right away because she'll be yelling. Then it's time to get involved in what I'm sure she feels is an extremely important conversation." posted by Pauly at 8/21/2002 04:00:00 PM | Permalink |
Here's a bit: "There's a moral in "Amélie" for folks like me -- that is, folks who settle for the convenience of the status quo. Amélie breaks out of her rut by shaping her world instead of letting herself be shaped by it. She begins with a little risk, tracking down a total stranger, and grows braver as she secretly meddles in the lives of her neighbors and coworkers... She deliberately creates a richer life for herself and the people around her."
"Nobody can drown in the ocean of reality who voluntarily gives himself up to the experience. Whatever there be of progress in life comes not through adaptation but through daring, through obeying the blind urge." - Henry Miller posted by Pauly at 8/20/2002 11:09:00 PM | Permalink |
Jon Schanzer wrote an article called Militant Islam’s Burgeoning Borders for Front Page Magazine. Here's a bit: "Today, its roots are growing in Indonesia, Bangladesh and Nigeria, proving that hard work lies ahead, if militant Islam’s burgeoning borders are ever to be contained." posted by Pauly at 8/20/2002 10:20:00 AM | Permalink |
Regis News
The final figure for Annual Fund gifts this year came to $3.4 million with 56% of the alumni participating.
And from a recent e-mail from Regis HS: "We thank you for your continued generosity. You ensure that Regis remains the exceptional institution that it is. We are very grateful to you... Our Deo et Patirae Dinner, where we honor our Order of the Owl donors, takes place at the New York Athletic Club on September 27th. We look forward to seeing many of you there... We have just finished the first summer of our REACH program. Thirty-five of the original forty candidates (ten year old boys from families at or below the poverty level) successfully completed the first of three summers and intervening years of enrichment work to better prepare them to succeed at the Regis Scholarship exam in their eighth grade year. Once the school year begins they will come together for twenty Saturdays to continue the enrichment work in math, language arts, and in study skills. Through this program Regis hopes to increase the number of students who are from economically deprived backgrounds."
To read more about Regis' REACH PROGRAM please visit the website: Regis REACH
What is REACH?
REACH (Recruiting Excellence in Academics for Catholic High Schools) is an educational and leadership program that prepares students to earn admission to Regis, as well as other top Catholic high schools in New York City. Whether at Regis or elsewhere, REACH hopes that all of its participants develop into young men willing to serve as leaders in the community and in their profession.
I am proud to say that I am participating in the REACH PROGRAM and will be donating my Saturday mornings and one evening a week to help tutor and mentor talented and gifted, yet poor children in NYC. You can begin your applause... now.
India Calls in X-Files Team to Investigate Face-Scratching Alien This is not another Fox sitcom, it happened in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, where a MYSTERIOUS flying object said to attack sleeping villagers has sparked mass hysteria and rioting.
Days Since I Quit Donuts: 29!
Pounds Lost: 12
Current Weight: 167
I almost ate an Enteman's chocolate covered donut last night! It was in my hand, and I picked it up and nearly put it in my mouth, but I stopped and put it back, closed the box and walked away. 29 days, sober from donuts. The pastry smack, the mother of all snacks... chocolate donuts. posted by Pauly at 8/19/2002 01:32:00 PM | Permalink |
Here's a bit he wrote about El Al air marshalls: "You come face-to-face with a guy standing right in the middle of everything who is built almost exactly like "Oddjob" from "Goldfinger." Only bigger. He was wearing an El Al uniform (or five) and you knew three things very quickly: (1) That the bulges all over his sport coat probably weren't wallets; (2) That, most likely, he was not the guy you would later be asking for an extra sour-dough roll; and (3) It would be an immensely bad idea to run over to him suddenly, grab his lapels and scream, "Death to Israel." posted by Pauly at 8/19/2002 07:03:00 AM | Permalink |
Morning News
Lizzie's Plea Angers Activists Drunken driving crusaders were fighting MADD yesterday over the cushy plea deal that could keep Princess Lizzie Grubman from doing any hard jail time, saying that prosecutors are sending the wrong message by letting the public relations princess go to a dormitory-style alcohol treatment program popularly known as the "drunk farm."
Fog of War is a Sunday NY Times Op/Ed piece written by Thomas Friedman, comparing our imminet war reprise with Iraq and Palenstine's recent intifada. Here's a blurb: "Let me repeat that in case you missed it: two years into the Palestinian uprising, Palestinian factions were meeting to determine why they are fighting and whether their means are legitimate." posted by Pauly at 8/19/2002 06:55:00 AM | Permalink |
Sunday, August 18, 2002
"I have made a silent compact with myself not to change a line of what I write. I am not interested in perfecting my thoughts, nor my actions. Beside the perfection of Turgenev I put the perfection of Dostoevski (is there anything more perfect than The Ethernal Husband?). Here, then, in one and the same medium, we have two kinds of perfection. But in van Gogh's letters there is a perfection beyond either of these. It is the triumph of individual over art." - Henry Miller, The Tropic of Cancer posted by Pauly at 8/18/2002 10:01:00 PM | Permalink |
Peanuts and more peanuts were picked up right off the floor and shoved into his mouth, as the small yet boisterous man of 56 years old let out a shout of glee, all the while, clutching a bottle of 14 year old whiskey. The man in the corner with a face full of vegetables smiled and coughed as he picked up a cigarette and shoved it into his ear. Insane, perhaps, but his ears where hungry for tabacco. The bartender ignored both of them and continued to clean out the dirty mugs, while the almond roasted ice cream sandwhich he bought earlier in the day gets invaded by curious cockaroaches.
Lizzie Facing L.I. Lockup Princess Lizzie Grubman may have cut a deal on friday that will allow her to spend 2 months in a special lockup for drunken drivers.
Harlem Lil Leaguers Win 9-3 The boys from Harlem beat a team from North Carolina 9-3 yesterday, hitting 4 HRs. Mayor Mike Bloomberg and his girlfreind were at the game. They play again tonigth at 7pm. posted by Pauly at 8/18/2002 08:40:00 AM | Permalink |
I send an average of 54.8 E-Mails a day. The stats do not lie. In the last 10 days, through my AOL account I have SENT 548 e-mails. Most of them to Dick Cheney, but seriosuly, I always thought I was a hermit and here I am yapping away in cyber world.
Now these numbers do not include work related e-mail from my work address. And those numbers do not include multiple recipients on mass/group e-mails. So the number of people reading or getting my e-mails could be triple and quadruple the daily average, and sometimes I send it to everyone in my address book (60-70 plus people). So in reality I'm sending out probably 150 e-mails a day.
For work, the numbers are roughly 232 in 10 days or 23.2 e-mails a day from work. So to sum up, I send an average of 78 e-mails a day and I get about half that back via SPAM from those nasty horny teenage cheerleaders who want me to ejaculate on their tiny breasts in front of their voyeur cams. posted by Pauly at 8/17/2002 10:19:00 AM | Permalink |
3 Busted in St. Pat's Sex Stunt No, no... this one DOES NOT involve priests. A couple was caught having sex in a vestibule at St. Patrick's Cathedral, a prank broadcast live on the Opie and Anthony radio show, were arrested after an usher spotted them. posted by Pauly at 8/16/2002 09:26:00 PM | Permalink |
We used to play this game called SPUD and I would throw this ball really high into the air and sometimes the ball would never come down and when that happens it would always be the same situation. The feverish anarchists would cry for their complacent mothers, while the religious right would mutter the WASPy names of their spoiled children, when in doubt, call for your suburban family. The voice of reason said very little to me and to my useless mind, as it just sat there in steps and inside all the lunch boxes of the greatest small little garages, where burnt pink and jealous green cars would park side by side in parallel lines, their passengers decked out in the latest Eastern Euro-trash fashions of all sorts and sizes from places we never heard of like Grinsk and Sholjpe and that other obscure place called Helgrinistan. Sometime during the last night of our monthly security meetings, I lost sight of my mission. The gatherings were held by the dried up river, which used to belong to the green people, where they danced in the archaic moonlight until the sun rose. At that point they realized that yes, they too were the only ones who would walk inside the last orbital path of the mighty comet, whose destination lay forth to colliding with our unsettling planet, Earth, where we all just sit, dumbfounded as we stare at the last ship off the solid rock. Alas the bananas and the Olive trees stand still in the fierce winds of the hurricanes. The angry parents tow their children and drag their dogs with chain links, and the tires on their cars are very soiled with dirt and dust from mid-western tourists, who wash their mall bought shoes against their wallets. I sit and I wonder why oh why do all these people sit for hours on end, watching the TV box, and stare and do nothing. There is so much slack around that it kills me. Where is that inner motivation? Our burbs are filled with no drive, nothing to satisfy the insatiable cries of the nice politicians whom live in those glass and golden homes in places like Vail and Simi Valley, as they sip Vodka Martinis and say, "Hey we must get together for the next trip to Hamptons, oh indeed!" posted by Pauly at 8/16/2002 12:53:00 AM | Permalink |
The Daily Dave once again gave me a shout-out for E-Story 5. In an e-mail, Simanoff commented on E-5: "...the raunchiest e-story to date... very funny, gets sicker and sicker, and then throws a glimpse of innocense at the reader at the very end. Love it!"
E-5 is a 2121 word short story written by 4 authors: Paul McGuire, Armando Huerta, Jessica E. Lapidus and Skipford Von Beaverhausen.
Here's a peak:
She hung up the phone and hurled it across the room. Her mother's foreboding voice still hung heavy in her head, her words of warning leaving a smoking hole through her ear. She didn't care what the old crow said, her mother was jealous, just like the rest of them, jealous that she was the beautiful one in the family, and the only one that got out of that small town in Mississippi called Gladstonia, twenty-five long uneventful boring miles of stupidity north of nowhere special except for an awful smellin', inauspicious collection of cheeze doodle eatin', moonshine guzzlin', Old Skoal chewin', marijuana growin', racist gang of thugs, known uncomfortably to the nineteen year old colorblind Amber, as her family.
To read the entire E-Story, visit my website: E-Story 5
Thanks to the authors and to you, the reader, for making E-Story a shining success in my attempt at stimulating and grounbreaking group fiction!!! posted by Pauly at 8/15/2002 09:26:00 AM | Permalink |
PHISH returns to the stage after an extended hiatus for four concerts beginning with a three-set concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City on December 31, 2002. Following that show, they will perform three nights at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia, January 2, 3 and 4, 2003. The band plans to schedule additional tour dates later in 2003 and will likely record an album sometime next year as well. posted by Pauly at 8/14/2002 04:00:00 PM | Permalink |
Where Freedom Reigns is another solid article by THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN Here's a blurb: "The more time you spend in India the more you realize that this teeming, multiethnic, multireligious, multilingual country is one of the world's great wonders — a miracle with message. And the message is that democracy..." posted by Pauly at 8/14/2002 07:04:00 AM | Permalink |
When Hip Hop Goes RetroKevin Weston writes, "If hip hop becomes a revolutionary cultural force for change again, know that conditions in the 'hoods where the sounds are born are getting more desperate and hectic. That's good for the music, bad for the 'hood..." posted by Pauly at 8/14/2002 07:01:00 AM | Permalink |
Justice Denied in Egypt is a feature story from The Nation about the farcical trial of Saad Ibrahim, who was sentenced to seven years in jail with the possibility of hard labor, for promoting democracy. Here is an excerpt of his statement that was NOT allowed to be read in court: "Perhaps we are being persecuted because we have been pioneers in discussing openly and practicing what we preach, and because we dared to say publicly what millions of Egyptians and Arabs think privately. If this is the price of pioneering, the price of transparency for the sake of civil society and democracy, then it is a price that I accept."
Martha Stewart Blames Rookie Both the Ice Queen Stewart and her broker say that assistant, Douglas Faneuil, gave her insider info. What a fucking cunt, blame the help! Broker's rookie assistant Douglas Faneuil is caught in he said/she said situation. As a former broker's assistant, I can assure that such sensitive information rarely passes through without the higher ups knowledge. Looks like she's trying to pin this on the kid. Pisses me off even more.
"McGrupp strives to live life as it is meant to be..." - Armando Huerta posted by Pauly at 8/14/2002 06:35:00 AM | Permalink |
Tuesday, August 13, 2002
"Life has no other discipline to impose, if we would but realize it, than to accept life unquestioningly. Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such." - Henry Miller posted by Pauly at 8/13/2002 10:48:00 PM | Permalink |
"Hungry man, reach for the book: it is a weapon." - Bertolt Brecht
Foreign Policy in Focus Is a new website I stumbled upon, that has an up-to-date archive of articles on global affairs from a premier progressive think tank. Check it out.
Jessica writes: "She must have. The article says she left a note complaining about her husband. OF COURSE SHE DID!!! I mean, could her husband be as good a lover as Señor? I rest my case."
And in true fashion, Señor responds: "(She) wouldn't give me head... so I chucked her in the swamp, that's the way things are done around here." Real World:Thailand... here are the highlights of a few other e-mails I got from Señor in the past week:
"I have a girlfriend too, but she is a virgin, I can't even give her a fucking hug!!!!! Thank God for the whores.... I've gotten two job offers already but I ain't ready to work yet, besides, trying to come up with stories for Truckin' is a full time job!!.... For the last few days, I have been living with two cute 21 year old chicks from Singapore. Tonight they are cooking for me.... Oh and still no play from my Thai girlfriend.... haven't had a drink in quite a while.... This week I begin my studies to become a Reiki Master.... very similar to Jedi Master, accept in stead of Yoda my master is a hot Malysian chick!"
"In this very sad time, we encourage you to gather with your Panic families in your hometown and celebrate Michael Houser's life on Monday, August 12th. As a living memorial to Michael and his love of music, the family requests that contributions be made to The Michael Houser Music Fund."
John Wilkins, one of the biggest WSP fans I know, sent me this e-mail yesterday:
"Thanks for the shout - Drew Chuck turned me on to them in November of 1988 - they played at Emory for Dooley Days around that time if you can believe that. . . I must admit I am deeply saddened by his death, I had a strong connection with that band." posted by Pauly at 8/12/2002 06:58:00 AM | Permalink |
Heady News Update
Brandon Walsh Hurt in Racing Accident But not to worry, Nat from the Peach Pit, Steve, Dylan, Donna, Kelly and that other dorky kid are all OK. And Brenda is still a bitch and has been unavailable for comment. He hit the wall at 180 mph and suffered a broken spine. Read more on Brandon Walsh's Crash.
Israel Will Retalitae When Saddam Strikes Israel has told the United States that it will retaliate if attacked by Iraqi missiles during the promised American assault to remove Saddam Hussein.
"May we live long and lucky..." - Widespread Panic, Old Joe
Mikey Houser, guitar player for Widespread Panic died yesterday after his fight with brain cancer. I got the sad news from WranglerSpace.org.
Here is an excerpt from a letter he wrote to fans last month. Read it all at: Mikey's Message.
As some of you know, I have contracted a terminal form of cancer. I want to assure all of you that all that can be done has been done, and I want to thank all of you who have contributed information, medicine, and so on. As for me, I am at my home in Athens, GA, surrounded by my family, and being well taken care of. In the words of Lou Gehrig, "Though some of you may have thought I have caught a bad break, I feel like the luckiest man in the world."
Between my best friends, J.B., Todd, Sunny, Dave and JoJo, and you, our friends, and best support group in the world, I feel strong and well taken care of. I have hopes of playing again soon, although I can't say for sure when or where, and I hope to see you all there.
With much thanks and love,
Mikey
Editor's Note: 12 years ago this fall, John Wilkins took me to my first WIDESPREAD PANIC show at the Center Stage in Atlanta. Blues Traveler opened. Since then I have seen WSP over 50 times, in 10 plus states. Recently, WSP had jumped to the top of the list of my favorite bands to see LIVE. Indeed after the three kick ass shows at the BEACON THEATRE in NYC last Summer, I turned to Señor and said, "Yeah these guys are the best LIVE show around..."
Señor and I decided to drive to Asbury Park, NJ to go see them last November. And we got a taste of SOUTHERN FRIED PANIC, becuase alot more people from the SOUTH traveled to that show, and they were hootin & hollerin and get all kinds of shitty and drunk and rowdy, and we loved that! Especially when the girl sitting next to me heard the distinct drawls of the group in front of us and she yelled, "Are y'all from the South?" That made me giggle.
Man, it's sad to say that the SOUND of his guitar that Mikey brought each night will be missed.
One show that sticks out was a show from 2000, when Señor and I went to Atlantic City to see the boys. The show was in the TAJ MAHAL! That's Trump's Casino! I didn't know he dug WSP. It was one of the coolest things I ever did. I was playing BLACKJACK at one of the tables and then Señor said, "Yo, the show's starting!" We walked 20 yards into the hallway of the TAJ, and the entrance to the auditorium was right there in the hallway. The lights dimmed and the show started as soon as we walked in! It was trippy cool and perfect timing. The next 3 hours, Panic kicked my ass and the entire audience was reeling that night, especially after the rippin version of PUSHERMAN > Climb to Safety. That still gives me chills. At setbreak, we walked right back to the floor of the casino and I played Blackjack for 20 minutes before returning to hear another set of Panic.
Thanks to John Wilkins for turning WSP onto me, and thanks to Señor who kept my interest in them burning strong. And Mikey, you will be missed. See you on the other side.
"If you do not breathe through writing, if you do not cry out in writing, or sing in writing, then don't write, because our culture has no use for it." - Anais Nin posted by Pauly at 8/10/2002 08:54:00 AM | Permalink |
Friday, August 09, 2002
Jerry Day 2
Jerry Garcia: August 1, 1942 - August 9, 1995
This is so clear to me, that it still hurts. Seven years ago, I had a day off from work and took in an afternoon New York Yankees baseball game at Yankee Stadium with my buddy Jerry Engel and that's when I found out that Jerry Garcia died. Cal Ripken hit two HRs that day, and that's something I haven't forgotten. After the game we took the subway down to Manhattan, and went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where I had been working as a security guard and that's when I talked to some fellow guards, who expressed their sadness to me. I somberly walked over to Strawberry Fields in Central Park, and gathered near John Lennon's Imagine Memorial were hundreds of Deadheads, from all walks of life, were paying homage to Jerry. Some were crying, some were getting high and passing around bottles of wine, some were singing and playing Jerry tunes, others were telling their favorite tour stories. But for me, I just sat in silence and remembered how just 54 days earlier... on June 15th, 1995... I met Jerry Garcia. While on the job at the Met, I saw Jerry walking through the American Wing late one Saturday night with his wife and I held a door open for him. He smiled and said, "Thank you very much." I couldn't muster up anything other than, "No worries." And I extended my hand, and the old and limping Jerry shook my hand, and he continuded on his way. The next night, I would see my very last Grateful Dead show, with Bruce Cohen.
At the time, it was the greatest thing that had ever happened to me. I shook Jerry Garcia's hand.
Today, I still say it's one of the Top 5 Moments of My Life.
Thanks Jerry!
"Sometimes you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look it right."
Russian Mob Planned Hit On US General The Russian mob was ready to kidnap or kill the US highest-ranking military officer, General Henry Shelton in St. Petersburg in 1998 but was thwarted by his Army security detail. posted by Pauly at 8/08/2002 10:59:00 AM | Permalink |
The Face on Mars... if you are a cosmic person, you know about the so-called Mars Face that NASA inisists is just a coincidence. Read some more about it. Personally, I think it's proof of civilization on Mars. You decide. posted by Pauly at 8/08/2002 08:04:00 AM | Permalink |
Jessica sent me this Hilarious Link: Viceland.com. She writes: "Please watch the Orson Welles clip and then the Yuppie self-help thing. People in your office and your life are going to love this." Indeed the Orson Wells thing is a riot! posted by Pauly at 8/08/2002 07:29:00 AM | Permalink |
Swimming With Sharks! A platform at the New Orleans Aquarium collapsed and 10 visitors fell into the shark tank! Everyone is OK, and no sharks were harmed in the process. posted by Pauly at 8/08/2002 07:15:00 AM | Permalink |
Wednesday, August 07, 2002
"The most terrible thing about America is that there is no escape from the treadmill that we created." - Henry Miller, The Air-Conditioned Nightmare posted by Pauly at 8/07/2002 11:48:00 PM | Permalink |
"They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin, 1758 posted by Pauly at 8/07/2002 11:28:00 PM | Permalink |
Rebels Bomb Capital as Colombian President Sworn In FARC rebels fired mortar shells on the presidential palace in Bogota, killing 14 people just blocks away from where right-winger Alvaro Uribe was being sworn in as president, pledging to get tough with the Marxist guerrillas.
Bruce Cohen saw the infamous WHO at MSG in NYC on Sunday. Here's his review:
"August 5, 2002. I saw the WHO... It was the second time I saw them. The last time was 20 years ago in 1982. In 1982, I drove down from Rhode Island with my Deadhead buddy and caught them at the Shea Stadium that summer. Kenny Jones was the newest member of the Who having replaced the immortal Keith Moon after his death.
Well, last night the RE-ENERGIZED WHO were playing at Madison Square Garden where they continued their summer tour after losing their Bassist John Entwistle just 2 weeks ago. John passed away from a heart attack.... apparently from the effects of cocaine. Despite the replaced Bassist (Paladino was the bass player for Pete Townshend's solo projects and live shows) the WHO ROCKED!!!!
Robert Plant opened up the show, though I got in a little late. I caught a wild hard rock version of MORNING DEW!!! My friend seemed to feel that Plant's voice was not quite what it used to be, but nonetheless he did do some ZEP tunes: "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You", "Four Sticks", and "Tall Cool One" (Plant's Solo album). He ended his set with "Whole Lotta Love".
Well...... THE WHO came on and they just did HIT after HIT opening with "Can't Explain" into "Substitute", "Bargain" then "The Kids Are Alright", "You Better You Bet", "Behind Blue Eyes". Daltrey's voice was still great and Townshend played extended lead solos on every tune. The WHO seemed to have the highest energy I have ever seen. The drummer Starkey (Ringo's son) RE-energized all of tunes, because his style is very .... very KEITH MOON like. While he keeps steady time (in the pocket) he also does those rolls all around the drum set like Keith Moon would do. In the middle of the set, they went into songs off of QUADROPHENIA, doing "Sea and Sand", "Drowned", and "5:15", which I didn't think they would do without Entwistle on bass. They did an amazing "My Generation" to end the set.
The Encores were from TOMMY which was the Rock Opera that they had performed live a few years back with drummer Simon Philips. They performed "Amazing Journey" which is a really cool melodic arrangement. Then they did "See me, Feel Me" which ended the show. The WHO are still among the Greatest Rock bands out there. I was way psyched and I was invaded by two wild guys from England who were heavy WHO freaks, so, I really got a true taste of what these WHO TYPES ARE ALL ABOUT........ GOTTA LOVE those two crazy druken bastards who sat next to me, they made the show......."
NYFD Facing Exodus of Firefighters From today's NY Times. Here's a bit: "Scores of New York City's Fire Department supervisors, including some of its most senior surviving commanders, have retired since Sept. 11, and hundreds more have notified their union that they expect to leave in the next year. At the same time, the department's front-line firefighters are retiring at more than double the usual rate..."
"I certainly do not hope to alter the world. Perhaps I can put it best by saying that I hope to alter my own vision of the world. I want to be more and more myself, ridiculous as that may sound." - Henry Miller
Saudis Active On EVERY Level of the Terror Chain The Defense Department has been issued a recommendation that the United States threaten Saudi Arabia with military and financial measures unless the kingdom ends its support for Islamic insurgency groups.
In related news, Jon Schanzer will appear WEDNESDAY on the FOX News Channel at 7:50 am EST. He will be on TV for a debate on the recent reports indicating that the Pentagon is reconsidering Saudi Arabia's role as a U.S. ally. Check it out, if you are up that early. posted by Pauly at 8/06/2002 11:17:00 PM | Permalink |
NY Times: Martha Stewart Lying! In today's NY Times they state that the assistant, Douglas Faneuil to Marth Stewart's stockbroker was ordered to warn Martha that the founder of ImClone Systems was selling large amounts of stock in late December. Mr. Faneuil has told prosecutors that he objected to the order but that the stockbroker, Peter E. Bacanovic, insisted. In addition, he told prosecutors that an explanation for Ms. Stewart's sale of nearly 4,000 ImClone shares on Dec. 27 was concocted after the fact. Wow, the bitch is going down!! I hope the FBI arrests her and makes her do the perp walk.
It's about time that the focus be shifted from scum sucking execs and CEOs and the light shifts to greedy individual investors, who's greed is part of the problem. This greed, is what the mainstream media seems to not talk about. Sure, billions of dollars were lost in the recent scandals, but half of that could have been prevented by investors who's focus was long term value investing, instead of profits now approach. They have not acccepted any of this responsibilty. It's not their brokers job to do all their prospectus reading for them, brokers are there to make recommendations and set investing goals, not to do all the research and reading for greedy, lazy ass Americans. posted by Pauly at 8/06/2002 08:36:00 AM | Permalink |
Days Since I Quit DONUTS: 15 Pounds Lost: 13 Current weight: 166 lbs.
OK, the DOW has tanked the last few days, so the Dow-Donut theory is meaningless. However, the proof is in the pounds. I shed 13 pounds in 2 weeks, after I gave up my daily donut binges. In addition to curbing my pastry addiction, I have not drank any alcohol (beer, wine and/or hard liquor) since I began the Donut Diet. I've been getting my fix drinking a chocolate milkshake once a day, which is bad, but tasty, especially in this heat wave. I figured if I quit the milkshakes, and breads & bagels, and carbs (french fries), and stop eating pasta twice a week, then I'll drop below 160 for sure. To think a decade ago, at age 20, I tipped the scales at a whopping 205 lbs! Indeed in 10 years, I dropped 40 pounds. How long will I continue this? I dunno. I told myself the next donut I eat will be in Paris whenever that may be. More to come... posted by Pauly at 8/05/2002 09:14:00 PM | Permalink |
Night 2! Grateful Dead Reunion Setlist
The Other Ones 8.4.02, Alpine Valley Music Theater, East Troy, WI
Set 1: Jam > Cassidy > Brown Eyed Women, Black Throated Wind > Eyes of the World > Saint of Circumstance > Mountains of the Moon > Fire On the Mountain > Jack Straw
Set 2: Space > Drumz > Space > Playin' > Banyan Tree > Wheel > Playin', St. Stephen > Eleven > Terrapin > Let It Grow
Encore: Sugar Magnolia > Uncle John's Band > Box of Rain
Two great articles from this month's issue of The Nation that you should read:
1. Brits & Drugs disccusses the shift in drug policies in England.
2. The Rush to War written by Richard Falk who warns against a reckless, ill-considered recourse to war in Iraq.
George Bush Plagerizes Orwell's 1984? Written by Daniel Kurtzman he compares 1984 to Bush's America. Here's a bit: "As President Bush wages his war against terrorism and moves to create a huge homeland security apparatus, he appears to be borrowing heavily, if not ripping off ideas outright, from George Orwell." posted by Pauly at 8/04/2002 03:43:00 PM | Permalink |
Grateful Dead Reunion Setlist
The Other Ones 8.3.02, Alpine Valley Music Theater, East Troy, WI
Set I: He's Gone Tease > Cryptical Envelopment > The Other One > Feel Like a Stranger, Bird Song, Lazy Lightning > Aiko- Aiko, Estimated Prophet, Casey Jones
Set II: Music Never Stopped, Baba Jingo, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Morning Dew, Dark Star > Born Cross Eyed > Dark Star > Cryptical Reprise, One More Saturday Night
Encore: Help on the Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Gulf War Lite is an excellent article about the invasion of Iraq and our favorite drug: Oil. I say, you all must read this. Written by Rahul Mahajan, a Green Party candidate for Governor of Texas, he states: "In this impending war, perhaps the earliest and most consistently telegraphed since Cato the Elder's repeated calls for the destruction of Carthage, a similar confusion reigns."
Here's more: "Over the next 20 years, world requirements for Middle East oil are expected to double. The United States seeks nothing less than the establishment of complete control over all significant sources of oil, especially of the Middle East, which holds roughly two thirds of the world's proven reserves. The twin requirements of U.S. imperial control and the constant feeding of an industrial system based on ever-increasing levels of fossil fuel consumption dovetail with the systematic attempts of the U.S. to keep Middle Eastern countries from developing independent economies to set the stage for large-scale re-colonization, through war, "covert" action and economic coercion.
This war is not about minor domestic squabbles between Democrats and Republicans, but about a very ugly New World Order, in which innocents in the Middle East, Central Asia and in the United States pay for the imperial dreams of an increasingly detached American elite."
Well put! A great article written by a Ralph Nader disciple.
"America is no place for an artist: to be an artist is to be a moral leper, an economic misfit, a social liability. A corn-fed hog enjoys a better life than a creative writer, painter or musician." - Henry Miller, The Air-Conditioned Nightmare posted by Pauly at 8/04/2002 01:06:00 PM | Permalink |
Bush's Shame is another Op/Ed from Thomas Friedman. He wrote about the consequences of Egypt sentencing the 63-year-old Saad Eddin Ibrahim to what Friedman describes as "...seven years at hard labor for promoting democracy — for promoting the peaceful alternative to fundamentalist violence." Friedman is outraged at Bush's adminsitration because "...the Bush-Cheney team sat on its hands."
Here's another excerpt: "The State Department, in a real profile in courage, said it was "deeply disappointed" by the conviction of Mr. Ibrahim, who holds a U.S. passport. "Disappointed"? I'm disappointed when the Baltimore Orioles lose. When an Egyptian president we give $2 billion a year to jails a pro-American democracy advocate, I'm "outraged" and expect America to do something about it.
I'm also frightened, because if there is no space in Egypt for democratic voices for change, then Egyptians will only be left with the mosque. If there is no room in Egypt for Saad Ibrahims, then we will only get more Mohamed Attas — coming again to a theater near you." posted by Pauly at 8/04/2002 12:56:00 PM | Permalink |
Galactic played at the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan and here's the setlist:
7/28/02 Fuji Rock Festival 2002 -- Naeba, Japan
One Set: Shibuya, Cheekybird, All Behind You Now, Whole Lotta Love, Hang Nail*, Hamps Hump*, We Want the Funk (P-funk Medley) > Blackeyed Pea*^, Yes We Can, Little Miss Lover
The next version of E-Story is now up and published on the E-Story website. E-4: MERRY'S GIFT is a 2000 word story written by 8 authors and I think it's the sickest and most twisted story to date! Thanks to all the writers!
E-4: MERRY'S GIFT was written by Paul McGuire with Stephen Adkins, Jen Biaggi, Armando Huerta, Jessica Lapidus, Derek McGuire, Sim Schwartz and Mike "Modeski" Weiner.
Here's a peek:
Merry smiled as she picked up her gift off of the kitchen table and with eager anticipation, untied the green bow and tore off the pink birthday wrapping paper. Without a glance she dropped the paper on the floor knowing the Guatemalan housekeeper, Yelitza, would pick it up and shrieked when she saw her present. Merry giggled, sprang out of her chair and jumped up and down, while Yelitza stared in anguish...
Best Job in the World? One of Britain's most exclusive grocery stores needs a new chocolate taster -- and will pay 35,000 pounds ($54,400) a year for the successful candidate. posted by Pauly at 8/02/2002 10:01:00 AM | Permalink |
Happy Jerry Day!!
Today is Jerry Garcia's birthday! To celebrate, I'm blogging (in the next 24 hours) as many Jerry Garcia Quotes as I can think of. Here are a few to start off with!
•"You do not merely want to be considered just the best of the best. You want to be considered the only ones who do what you do."
•"Somebody has to do something, and it's just incredibly pathetic that it has to be us."
•"Music is the timeless experience of constant change."
•"There is a road, no simple highway, between the dawn and the dark of night, and if you go, no one may follow, that path is for you steps alone..."
•"Constantly choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil."
•"We need magic, and bliss, and power, myth, and celebration and religion in our lives, and music is a good way to encapsulate a lot of it."
Keren was just visiting Israel and she shared some thoughts of her trip with me in an e-mail. Here's a little bit of what she wrote:
"I've just returned from Israel where things are incredibly difficult. It's really sad to see the country that I love so much going through such a terrible time. The terrorism has become such a regular part of life that the appalling economic situation is beginning to outweigh everything else. It's awful to see. The thing I find most disturbing is peoples' apathy. I was sitting at a coffee shop with a friend one night when the police and bomb squad were called to check out a suspicious car. Most people were sitting outside on the pavement, inches away from the car, and even as the police started taking the car apart people stayed where they were, most not even bothering to look behind them at a car that could potentially blow up and kill them. Israelis are psychologically screwed up beyond belief. For the first time I began to wonder if I could see myself living under such constant subconscious anxiety. Enough of that... Believe it or not I still had a great time. Clubs, bars, and restaurants are full and people are out there having a good time. It's a crazy place." posted by Pauly at 8/01/2002 11:19:00 PM | Permalink |
Zobo returned from his trip to Japan to see the Fuji Rock Festival. He posted pictures of his trip at Ofoto: Zobo's Pics. You have to log in to see them, it takes 15 seconds, and u can give fake e-mail address if you like. They are funny and brought back alot of great memories! Thanks Zobo! posted by Pauly at 8/01/2002 12:31:00 AM | Permalink |
